Netherlands Travel Guide

Amsterdam

While most visitors to the Netherlands focus on Amsterdam, there are many interesting cities, islands, and resort destinations. Small towns and villages in the countryside reveal long held traditions and some of the countries classic sights, with fields of blooming flowers or old style windmills. 

 

Rotterdam

Arrival by air usually sees travelers entering the country through the capital city of Amsterdam. This is a great place to begin, with plenty to see and do, from simply biking along the canals and enjoying the cafes, to sightseeing and gazing at the works of the Old Masters. Some of the main attractions are the Royal Palace, the Van Gogh Museum, the Dutch National Museum, or just outside the city, the Keukenhof, a lovely park which is particularly beautiful during the spring bloom.

 

Utrecht

Although Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, The Hague is home to the Dutch Government and the residence of the Royal Family. Many people find themselves here on business due to the city's large number of international offices. The early 17th C mansion of Mauritshuis is today one the principle tourist attractions, along with the Binnenhof, Grote Kerk, Peace Palace, and the Dutch National Dance Theater. During the summer months the nearby resort community of Scheveningen is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, with a long stretch of beach. 

 

The Hague

Other popular cities in the Netherlands are Rotterdam and Utrecht, showcasing the contrast between old and new. Rotterdam is a vibrant port city with a modern metropolitan atmosphere, while Utrecht features a lovely historic center. In Rotterdam art lovers will want to stop by the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen (Boymans-van Beuningen Museum), one of the best museum's in the Netherlands. Outside of the city, at Kinderdijk, are a number of traditional 18th C windmills, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Utrecht, spend some time wandering through the old town and see the Cathedral of St Martin. For an excursion, visit the town of Doorn, with the former medieval castle of Huis Doorn.

For an escape from the cities there are plenty of areas to relax and enjoy a little nature. The West Frisian Islands along the north and northwest coast are home to long stretches of beautiful sandy beaches and dunes. Large numbers of seabirds also nest or spend the winter in the islands. 

10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Netherlands

Written by Bryan Dearsley

While most visitors to the Netherlands (often referred to as Holland) focus on Amsterdam, the country's vibrant capital with its great museums and art galleries, there are many charming towns and villages in this small yet fascinating country to explore. And because the country is so flat, it's extremely easy to do at least a little sightseeing the Dutch way: by bicycle. Many communities actively encourage the use of pedal-power and provide bikes to explore the sights at no cost. However you choose to see the Netherlands, you're guaranteed a great time in one of the friendliest and most liberal cultures in Europe.

1 Exploring Amsterdam's Canals

Exploring Amsterdam's Canals

 

Like Venice, that other famous city built on water, the one enduring memory any visitor to Amsterdam will have is of time spent exploring the city's wonderful canals. While many of Amsterdam's best tourist attractions can be easily accessed by boat tour or water taxi - including most of the major museums and art galleries - there's much to be gained by simply strolling along the smaller, quieter streets that line the waterways. One such neighborhood is the Grachtengordel with its many small bridges and quaint 17th-century homes. You'll be rewarded as you explore these 400-year-old streets by countless examples of beautiful architecture, small boutique shops, cafés, and hotels, as well as many quaint colorful gardens. 

2 Keukenhof: The Garden of Europe

Keukenhof: The Garden of Europe

 

Think of the Netherlands, and you'll inevitably think of tulips, the country's most popular flower. And there's nowhere better to enjoy its rich floral bounty than at the Keukenhof, otherwise known as the Garden of Europe. On the outskirts of Lisse, in what's widely considered the "bulb belt" of the Netherlands, Keukenhof is the largest public garden in the world encompassing more than 70 acres of what was once the former kitchen (or "keuken") garden of a large country estate. Along with its excellent restaurants, sunny patios, and exhibitions - not to mention its more than 700 varieties of tulips - the site is home to the world's largest open-air flower show. The charm of Keukenhof lies in its endless variety of color which, thanks to its massive commercial hot houses, is almost a year-round occurrence. In them, you'll see endless rows of flowering tulips, along with thousands of hyacinths, crocuses, and daffodils.

4 Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park

 

You may be surprised to learn that the Netherlands, a relatively small country, boasts one of the world's most diverse national park programs. The largest is Hoge Veluwe National Park between Arnhem and Apeldoorn. Covering nearly 13,800 acres, this national park is the largest continuous nature reserve in the country, as well as being one of the most popular day trip destinations for locals and visitors alike. Featuring dense woodlands in the north, as well as a fascinating sculpture park, the area was once a country estate and hunting reserve, and to this day is home to many red and roe deer. The best-preserved part of the park encompasses an area of dramatic dunes interspersed with heath and woodland and interrupted in the south and east by moraines up to 330 feet high. It's also a popular area for birdwatching, as well as hiking and biking (visitors can access bikes for free).

5 Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam

Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam Franklin Heijnen

 

The Anne Frank Museum is a must-see when in Amsterdam. On Prinsengracht, in the home where Anne's family hid for much of WWII (they were Jewish refugees from Frankfurt), is where this remarkable girl wrote her famous diary. Although she died just two months before the war ended, her legacy lives on through her words, which have since been translated into 51 languages. The back of the fully-restored house where the Frank family had their hiding place has been kept in its original state as much as possible and is a poignant monument to a tragic slice of world history and a brave little girl who continues to inspire people around the globe.

6 The Windmills of Kinderdijk

The Windmills of Kinderdijk

 

On the River Noord between Rotterdam and Dordrecht is the famous village of Kinderdijk ("Children's Dike"), which takes its name from an incident during the St. Elizabeth's Day flood of 1421 after a child's cradle had been stranded on the dike. The big draw these days are the fantastically preserved 18th-century windmills. Now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the 19 Kinderdijk windmills, built between 1722 and 1761, are the largest surviving concentration of windmills in the Netherlands. Originally used to drain the fenlands, these majestic buildings with their impressive 92-foot sails are open to the public from April to October, including special Mill Days when the sails are set in motion. 

7 Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

 

As befits one of the world's greatest artists, the spectacular Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is ranked an impressive 35th in the top art museums globally, attracting almost 1.5 million visitors each year. Home to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings -many donated by the artist's family - this impressive gallery and museum was specially built to showcase the more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters in its vast collection. Works by his contemporaries are also on display. If you're only able to visit one of the many excellent art museums in the Netherlands, make it this one. 

8 Historic Valkenburg

Historic Valkenburg

 

For those looking for a little ancient history, the Netherlands is not without its own medieval (and earlier) attractions. Romantic little Valkenburg, in the picturesque Geul Valley, boasts the country's only hilltop castle. Long a popular holiday resort, the town's other big draws are its many caves and the spa facilities at Thermae 2000, one of the largest such establishments in the Netherlands. In addition to the ruins of the 12th-century castle on Dwingelrots (Castle Rock), there's also the interesting 14th-century St. Nicolaaskerk Basilica. Another highlight is the town's famous Christmas Market (mid-November to December 23rd) held in the Velvet Caves, the maze of old passageways leading to and from the castle.

9 Zeeland's Spectacular Dikes

Zeeland's Spectacular Dikes

 

Incorporating the deltas of the Rhine, the Maas, and the Schelde Rivers, Zeeland includes the numerous islands and peninsulas of the southwestern section of the Netherlands. Consisting of some of the world's most recent land formations, much of the area is below sea level and therefore reliant upon impressive dikes as well as modern flood prevention techniques. As you travel the area, you'll see evidence of the engineering project known as the Delta Works. These massive structures - basically hi-tech dams - can control how much water enters the area's key estuaries from the North Sea. Consisting of dams, sluices, locks, dikes, and storm surge barriers, this awe-inspiring project has been declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

10 Kasteel De Haar

Kasteel De Haar

 

Near the lovely old city of Utrecht, the fourth largest in the Netherlands, Kasteel De Haar makes for an excellent day trip. The largest fortification in the country, this spectacular castle - built by the famous Dutch architect, PJH Cuypers - required so much land (it sits on a spectacular 250-acre park) that the entire village of Haarzuilens had to be relocated to accommodate it. While the original castle site was established in the 14th century, this newer structure dates from 1892 and is well worth taking the time to explore. Inside, you'll be rewarded by impressive collections of antiques, furniture, paintings, and tapestries, but it's the gardens that really draw the crowds - along with the castle's fairytale looks.

10 Top-Rated Day Trips from Amsterdam

Written by Bryan Dearsley

After you've had your fill of the bright lights and bustle of the big city, be sure to spend a little time exploring the area around Amsterdam. An easy drive or commute via public transport will reward you with a chance to see some wonderful old towns and villages, along with numerous fun attractions. From the spectacular coastline, just a few kilometers away, to the country's most important tulip growing region, to quaint little markets and shops, there are many fantastic excuses to hop on a train or bus and explore the area around Amsterdam. To help get you started, be sure to read through this handy list of the top 10 attractions outside Amsterdam.

1 The Cheese Market, Alkmaar

The Cheese Market, Alkmaar

 

About 42 kilometers north of Amsterdam on the North Holland Canal - and just eight kilometers from the North Sea - the charming town of Alkmaar boasts many fine architectural monuments and old guild-houses from the 16th to 18th centuries. But the highlight of an excursion to this picturesque town in the province of North Holland is its world famous Cheese Market, one of the best-known tourist attractions in the Netherlands. Held every Friday in front of the town's Weigh-House in strict accordance with centuries-old traditions (the first such market was held here in the 1590s), it's a fascinating sight to watch as the square is covered with more than 23 tons of large, round Edam and Gouda cheeses. Adding to the experience is watching the cheese-porters, dressed in white and wearing hats in the colors of their guild, carry sometimes as many as 80 Edam cheeses on cradle-like racks to be weighed. Before anything can be shipped off, the crowds are welcomed and bells are rung (English language explanations of the rituals are offered at 11:20am). Afterwards, pop into the Alkmaar Cheese Museum in the Weigh House for its exhibits on the history of cheesemaking.

Address: Waagplein, Alkmaar

Official site: www.kaasmarkt.nl/welcome.asp?lang=0 Alkmaar Map - Attractions

2 Editor's Pick Keukenhof: The Garden of Europe

Keukenhof: The Garden of Europe 

Along with its famous cheeses, the Netherlands is also known the world over for its flowers, in particular its tulips. Just 38 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam on the outskirts of the town of Lisse is spectacular Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, and the best place to view the country's rich floral bounty. The area is known as the Netherlands' "bulb belt," and Keukenhof itself covers an area of more than 70 acres. This picture-perfect landscape once formed the kitchen garden (or "keuken") of a large country estate, much of it now consisting of restaurants, patios, and exhibitions, along with more than 700 varieties of tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, and daffodils. It's also home to numerous fun flower-related events and festivals, from flower shows to markets and concerts.

Address: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse

Official site: www.keukenhof.nl

4 The Delta Works and the Maeslant Barrier

Maeslant Barrier 

About 70 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam just past The Hague on the Hook of Holland, the Maeslant Barrier is just part of the country's massive Delta Works project, an engineering marvel designed to prevent flooding. The final piece of this engineering puzzle, the barrier consists of two huge gates capable of closing off the New Waterway when a storm surge threatens. The visitor center in the historic Keringhuis provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and construction of the Delta Works project, as well as a chance to view shipping traffic as it sails in and out of Rotterdam. Plan your visit around a test closing of the barrier (details from their website). English language guided tours of the storm surge barrier and museum are available on weekends (reservations required).

Address: Maeslantkeringweg 139, 3151 ZZ Hoek van Holland

5 The Old Town of Enkhuizen

The Old Town of Enkhuizen 

On the IJsselmeer (a shallow artificial lake) and traversed by numerous canals, Enkhuizen is one of the prettiest towns in the Netherlands. About 64 kilometers north of Amsterdam (and easily accessible by public transit), Enkhuizen boasts numerous historical attractions, from its two 15th-century churches to its 17th-century town walls and gates. Other must-sees include its picturesque harbor, home to innumerable boats and yachts, as well as a chance to take the ferry to the Zuiderzee Museum. The Dromedaris Tower, another relic of the town's fortifications built in 1540, is also worth a visit; in addition to its superb views, it boasts a carillon that ranks among the finest in the Netherlands (be sure to check out the old prison cells). Also on the IJsselmeer, about 40 minutes south of Enkhuizen, the old fishing village of Volendam is worth a visit to see its traditional fishing boats and Dutch costumes featuring the iconic women's pointed bonnet.  

Enkhuizen Map - Attractions

6 Historic Haarlem

Historic Haarlem 

Approximately 19 kilometers due west of Amsterdam, historic Haarlem is just seven kilometers from the North Sea coast on the little River Spaarne. Established in 1245, Haarlem was a hotbed of artistic endeavor during the 17th century when it became home to many of the country's most famous painters, some of whose works can be seen in the superb Frans Hals Museum. A highlight of the city's old main square is the 14th-century Grote Kerk (St. Bavokerk); a huge Late Gothic structure notable for its slender 40-meter-tall tower; its many rich furnishings (of particular interest are the three old model warships, a nod to the church's role as the chapel of the Seamen's Guild); and the famous 18th-century Müller Organ, one of the greatest such instruments in the world for its tone and decoration. Finally, be sure to take a peek into the Old City Hall, built in the 13th century and notable for its large tower and plush interior (guided tours are available). 

7 Hoorn

Hoorn 

Another of the many quaint towns on the Ijsselmeer, Hoorn is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, thanks to its many fine historic buildings and picturesque waterside setting. Highlights include the town's two yacht harbors lined with attractive 17th-century gabled houses, galleries, shops, and museums, and the historic old Town Hall (Stadhuis), built in 1402 and originally home to the convent of St. Cecilia. Interior highlights include the 18th-century Council Chamber with its painting of the naval battle of 1573. Also of note are the Grote Kerk from 1883 and the former St. Jans Gasthuis, dating from 1563 and known for its early Renaissance façade. Another must-see is the West Frisian Museum (Westfries Museum) with its collections of material from the 16th to the 18th centuries relating to the history of the town and surrounding area, including numerous group portraits of the once famous marksmen's guilds.  

Hoorn Map - Attractions

8 Medemblik by Steam Train

Medemblik by Steam Train 

The best way to reach Medemblik is via Stoomtram Hoorn Medemblik, a 20-kilometer heritage railway line that runs from the equally picturesque town of Hoorn. Once there, you'll have plenty of time to explore the town before heading back to Hoorn (the route can also be done in the other direction). Founded in the 10th century, Medemblik lies on the IJsselmeer and is home to Kasteel Radboud, an old fortress that's been fully restored and makes for a splendid photo. Other highlights include St. Bonifaciuskerk, a Late Gothic hall-church from the 15th century containing the tomb of Lord George Murray, a Jacobite commander at the battle of Culloden in Scotland in 1745; the 17th-century Weigh House (Waag), used to weigh cheese; and the Dutch Steam Engine Museum in the old pumping station, home to a collection of steam engines used on ships and in industry, most of them still in working order.

9 Zaanse Schans Open-Air Museum

Zaanse Schans Open-Air Museum 

The Zaanse Schans open-air museum is so picture-perfect, it's hard to believe it's actually a real community. Based on the original village of Zaanland as it would have looked around 1700, the museum was established to preserve buildings threatened by industrial development. Typical old wooden houses and windmills of the 17th and 18th centuries were taken down and carefully restored on the site, providing a vivid impression of life in earlier centuries - an effect enhanced by the fact that most of the houses are occupied. Other features of note are its large collection of still functioning windmills, including an oil mill, a paint mill, a mustard mill, and a sawmill, as well as a cheese-making dairy, an old bakery, a grocer's shop, a clog-maker's workshop, and a clock museum. Guided tours are available, as is a very pleasant boat trip on the Zaan offering great views of the old houses and windmills from the water.

Address: Westkade 2, 1506 BA Zaandam

Official site: www.dezaanseschans.nl/en/

10 Kampen's Many Towers

Kampen's Many Towers 

The old Hanseatic town of Kampen lies on the picturesque left bank of the IJssel, four kilometers above its outflow into the Ijsselmeer. Although Kampen is an hour's drive from Amsterdam, it's well worth the effort if you're looking to see one of the prettiest towns in the Netherlands. Dating back to the 12th century, this historic town was once the country's most important trading center with the Baltic area, as well as France and England, and thanks to its wealth and prestige, Kampen has managed to preserve many of its most important old structures. Examples include the 15th-century Town Gates, three of which survive: the rectangular Koornmarktspoort, on the banks of the IJssel; the Broederpoort with its four corner towers; and the Cellebroederpoort, a rectangular structure with two round towers. Immediately west of Kampen Town Hall is the Tower of the Holy Ghost, also known as the New Tower as it was built 1664.
 
Kampen Map - Attractions

Celebrate New Year's in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Whether you’re a party animal or a romantic, young of years or young-at-heart, a big spender or on a budget, Amsterdam is a great city to ring in the New Year. The Dutch know how to have a good time and the capital is a gezellige (warm and friendly) host. If you make one last resolution this year, decide to spend New Year’s in Amsterdam.

Celebrations across Amsterdam

The compact, easy to navigate city centre lends itself particularly well to impromptu street parties with throngs of people from all over the world joining in the festivities. Nieuwmarkt (Chinatown), Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are all popular hotspots in the city centre and clubs throughout the city host events catering to all musical tastes.

In 2015, the Oosterdok will once again be the location for the city’s official celebrations, with the VOC Ship The Amsterdam and the Scheepvaartmuseum forming the backdrop for a spectacular New Year’s Eve event and dazzling fireworks display. Fireworks traditionally illuminate the night sky above the Amstel - the best place to catch this display is the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge).

Eat, drink and be merry

Locals and visitors alike usually enjoy dinner before heading out to celebrate. Many restaurants offer special menus and a wide range of dining options to suit every budget and taste. If you like clubbing you’ve come to the right place, as Amsterdam is brimming with bars and clubs!

Dutch traditions

All that activity needs some energy to fuel it! On New Year’s Eve (and the month leading up to it), the Dutch enjoy traditional sweet treats called ‘oliebollen’ (delicious round doughnuts coated with icing sugar) and ‘appelflappen’ (tasty apple fritters). They can be found at stands across the city. Be sure to get your fill as they tend to disappear come the New Year and besides, the diet can always start next year…

New Year's Day

Has indulgence left you feeling a little bloated or bleary-eyed? Spend the first day of the New Year on a tranquil cruise of the canals, take a brisk walk through the Vondelpark or go Dutch and rent a bicycle to meander through the charming cobble-stoned streets of the Jordaan. A host of Amsterdam museums are also open on New Year's Day so you can get your fill of culture. And if you’re feeling a little let down now that festive December has passed into sombre January, the good news is that the January sales in Amsterdam are tremendous for bargain-hunters and shopaholics alike!

New Year's Eve in Amsterdam

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES

Celebrating the new year brings a fresh start full of opportunity, new leaves and blank slates. How will you celebrate? Amsterdam's list of parties is...

CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE

When it comes to nightlife in Amsterdam, there are venues, dance festivals and club nights to suit every taste! DJs keep the crowd going with everythi...

HOLIDAY SEASON IN AMSTERDAM

The Dutch really know how to make the most of the holiday season... starting with Sinterklaas; a Dutch tradition complete with pepernoten and parades!...

WINTER IN AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam comes into its own in the winter months with a festive atmosphere, cosy pubs and plenty of events to enjoy as the nights draw in. Check out ...

WHERE TO STAY

Amsterdam is overflowing with accommodation choices for every type of trip. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic weekend, a business trip or a fun h...

New Year's Eve parties and events in Amsterdam, Netherlands

All parties and clubbing events

Celebrating the new year brings a fresh start full of opportunity, new leaves and blank slates. How will you celebrate? Amsterdam's list of parties is as long as the Prinsengracht.

Amsterdam New Year's Eve 2015/16 parties 

If you're visiting Amsterdam for New Year's Eve, you can be sure of a good night out. As one of Europe's party capitals, Amsterdam offers a full spectrum of events and club nights to suit all musical tastes and styles. So whether you're looking for a mass-scale dance event or a more intimate club night, we've got it covered. See below for our guide to some of the best NYE 2015/16 events and parties in Amsterdam.

 We'll be updating this list with even more events in the lead-up to New Year's Eve, so check back soon if you don't see anything you like yet! 

31/12/2015 - 01/01/2016

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ERA NEW YEAR'S EVE & DAY

NDSM-werf

Reactor and Morse join forces for a huge New Year's Eve techno party in the industrial shipyard setting of Amsterdam's NDSM Wharf....

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ERA NEW YEAR'S EVE & DAY

NDSM-werf

31/12/2015

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BAM BOE NYE

Sugarfactory

Dance your way into 2016 at the Sugarfactory this New Year's Eve as Robosonic and Philou Louzolo take to the decks for a very spec...

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BAM BOE NYE

Sugarfactory

31/12/2015

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ONE TRIBE

Club Lite

This NYE event at Amsterdam's Club Lite is something for the more esoteric-minded, announcing that a "big, loving, beautiful, danc...

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ONE TRIBE

Club Lite

02:00

31/12/2015

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FREAQSHOW

Ziggo Dome

Get your freak – sorry, freaq – on at the Ziggo Dome's crazy end-of-year event in Amsterdam.

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FREAQSHOW

Ziggo Dome

20:00

31/12/2015

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AWAKENINGS NEW YEAR SPECIAL

Westergasfabriek

Adam Beyer, Ben Klock and Ida Engberg are amongst the superlative DJ line-up helping Amsterdam to bring in 2016 at Awakenings' ep...

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AWAKENINGS NEW YEAR SPECIAL

Westergasfabriek

20:00

31/12/2015

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REAKTOR // NEW YEAR'S EVE

Warehouse Elementenstraat

Reaktor blasts into the New Year with two massive nights of cutting edge techno in Amsterdam's infamous warehouse Elementenstraat....

10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Utrecht, Netherlands

Written by Bryan Dearsley

Utrecht, the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and the capital of the province of the same name, lies on the geographical divide between the country's fenlands and sandy heathlands. This position favored the development of the town over the centuries as the heathlands, lying higher, were out of reach of the North Sea's storm tides. From very early times, Utrecht was one of the principal political, economic, and cultural centers of the Netherlands, the seat of the provincial administration, and home to a famous university founded in 1636. Tourism also makes a significant contribution to the economy, and the picturesque Old Town with its numerous historical buildings surrounded and intersected by canals attracts large numbers of visitors.

1 St. Martin's Cathedral

St. Martin's Cathedral

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In the heart of Utrecht lies Cathedral Square, the Domplein, where you'll find St. Martin's Cathedral (Domkerk), one of the most important churches in the Netherlands. Begun in 1254 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church, the cathedral today consists of the 14th-century choir, the 15th-century transepts, and two chapels. The original much larger structure incorporated the massive nearby Domtoren, the tower that became separated after the destruction of the nave during a thunderstorm in 1674. The ruins were only cleared away in 1826 when the Domplein was laid out, with restoration finally completed in 1988. Highlights include old tombs and a crypt known to contain the internal organs of Emperors Conrad II and Henry IV, who died in Utrecht. Of particular note is the picturesque 14th-century cloister linking the cathedral with the university: above its windows are scenes from the life of St. Martin, the patron saint, while in the center of the beautiful Cloister Garden is a fountain with a bronze figure of a monk.

Address: Achter de Dom 1, 3512 JN Utrecht

Official site: www.domkerk.nl/domchurch/index.html Utrecht Cathedral Map

2 Editor's Pick The Domtoren: The Cathedral Tower

Utrecht cityscape with cathedral tower

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Looming high over the old city of Utrecht is the Domtoren, the massive tower that was separated from the Cathedral of St. Martin after the devastating storm of 1674. Built between 1320 and 1382, it stands 112 meters high and houses an impressive carillon of 50 bells, many of them centuries old. Still the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, its viewing galleries offer magnificent panoramic vistas of the old city and the Domplein (the 465-step climb is worth it as you'll also get to see the bells up close). Two chapels can be visited within the tower: St. Michael's, the Bishop's domestic chapel, and the Egmond Chapel, home to an exhibition on the history of this spectacular structure.

Address: Domplein 21, 3512 JE Utrecht

Official site: www.domtoren.nl/en

3 Museum Catharijneconvent

Museum Catharijneconvent exhibit Niels

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In the former hospice of the Order of St. John, Museum Catharijneconvent deals with the history of Christianity in the Netherlands. Opened in 1978, it's the country's largest collection of medieval art treasures, with sections devoted to church interiors, religious beliefs, and medieval monasteries. In addition to a large collection of 17th- and 18th-century material, other exhibits include valuable books and manuscripts, and a model of the original St. Martin's Cathedral with explanations of its history. Also on site is a display of embroidered Flemish church vestments of the late Middle Ages. (English language guided tours are available.)

Address: Lange Nieuwstraat 38, 3512 PH Utrecht

Official site: www.catharijneconvent.nl/p/23.html

4 Castle de Haar

Castle de Haar

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Built by Dutch architect PJH Cuypers, Kasteel De Haar is not only the largest castle in the Netherlands, it's widely considered to be the most attractive thanks to its fairytale good looks. It is so large that when it was built in 1822, the whole village of Haarzuilens had to be moved. Highlights of a visit - the castle is just 16 kilometers west of Utrecht - are its large collection of antiquities, furniture, paintings, and tapestries, along with its rich décor including ornate wood carvings and tableware and a rare Japanese coach especially designed for women. The grounds, too, are wonderful to explore, and comprise some 250 treed-acres, along with fountains and a lovely formal garden.

Address: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Haarzuilens

5 Museum Speelklok

Museum Speelklok exhibit bertknot

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One of the more unusual of Utrecht's tourist attractions is Museum Speelklok, a museum dedicated to music boxes and barrel organs. Displays include mechanical musical instruments from the 18th century to the present day, as well as domestic instruments such as tiny music boxes to massive fair organs, most of which can still be played. Other highlights include examples of musical clocks, pianolas, and a turret clock with a carillon, along with the opportunity to peek behind the scenes at the restoration work performed in the workshops. English language guided tours, including demonstrations, are available.

Address: Steenweg 6, Utrecht

Official site: www.museumspeelklok.nl/?Language=en

6 Centraal Museum

Centraal Museum Franklin Heijnen

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Spread between the remnants of a former convent and the city's old Artillery Stables, Utrecht's excellent municipal collections are well worth a visit. Housed in the Centraal Museum, the exhibits include the provincial archaeological collections and works by Utrecht-based painters from the 15th century onwards, including the Romanists, a group influenced by the Italian Renaissance and led by Jan van Scorel. Other schools represented are the Mannerists, represented by Abraham Bloemaert, who had an enduring influence on the Utrecht Caravaggisti (stylistic followers of Caravaggio). The museum also has a collection of costumes from the 18th century to the present day, along with rooms furnished in period style, sculptures, silver, and a collection of material on the history of the city. A rare 17th-century dollhouse with rooms decorated in chintz from the Dutch East Indies is also worth seeing.

Address: Nicolaaskerkhof 10, 3512 XC Utrecht

Official site: www.centraalmuseum.nl/en/

7 The Railway Museum

The Railway Museum Robert Warnaar

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In the old Maliebaanstation, Utrecht's Railway Museum (Spoorwegmuseum) is a must-see for train buffs. Highlights of this large, well-stocked attraction include a cross section of the country's transit history, particularly railroads and tram systems, with plenty of models and old vehicles. Exhibits deal with the early years of railways, the heyday of the 1900s, and an operational workshop. In addition to the museum's impressive collection of locomotives and rolling stock, kids will love the model railway and playground.

Address: Maliebaanstation, 3581 XW Utrecht

8 The Kaiser's House in Doorn

Huis Doorn display Hans Splinter

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In the picturesque little town of Doorn is the last home of Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II, Huis Doorn. Forced into exile after defeat in WWI, the Kaiser purchased Huis Doorn in 1920 and lived there until his death in 1941 (he's buried in a mausoleum on the grounds). Originally a medieval castle, the house was rebuilt in classical style in the 18th century, with only minor alterations since. Set in a large and beautiful park, the house is open to the public as a museum and has been preserved exactly as it was in the Kaiser's day, right down to the original furniture and furnishings, the Kaiser's personal possessions (including a collection of snuff-boxes belonging to Frederick the Great), uniforms, photos, and paintings.

Address: Langbroekerweg 10, 3941 MT Doorn

Official site: www.huisdoorn.nl/eng/

9 The Oudegracht

The Oudegracht

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A highlight of a visit to Utrecht is strolling along the beautiful Oudegracht, the old canal running through the city center. Starting in the southeast section of the city, the Oudegracht traces, in part, what was once the original route of a section of the Rhine, while the northern section includes segments of a canal built around 1000 AD that connected the Rhine to the River Vecht. Once Utrecht's network of locks was completed in 1275 the shores of the canal began to be settled, with numerous quays, wharves, and warehouses added. Today, many of these old buildings have been turned into restaurants, cafés, galleries, and boutique shops.

10 St. Pieterskerk

St. Pieterskerk YIP2

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Just a short walk north of St. Martin's Cathedral, in Pieterskerkhof, stands St. Pieterskerk, the first of the town's churches to be built. Consecrated in 1048 and notable for its two Romanesque towers, the church features a crypt with a sarcophagus of the founder, Bishop Bernold. Other notable features are the capitals of the columns in the nave, the wall paintings in the north aisle, and the 12th-century reliefs created in the Maasland style.

Address: Neude Janskerkhof en Domplein, Utrecht

Utrecht Map - Attractions